Cells contained in epidermis

Cells contained in epidermis

1. Keratinocytes

   • Helps protect the skin and underlying tissues from heat, microbes, and chemicals. They also produce lamellar granules, which release a water-repellant sealant that decreases water entry and loss and inhibits the entry of foreign materials

2. Melanocytes

   • Transfer melanin granules to keratinocytes. Melanin being the yellow-red or brown-black pigment that contributes to skin color

3. Langerhans cells

   • Participate in immune responses against microbes that invade the skin, and are easily damaged by UV light

4. Merkel cells

   • Are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis, where they contact part of a sensory neuron and detect different aspects of touch sensations